After the completion of the 2011 renovation to the University School of Nashville’s cafeteria, Manuel Zeitlin Architects began working with USN on a Centennial building project that will meet a broad range of needs for the school as USN enters its next century. The project will complete the renovation of USN’s historic home originally designed by renowned architects McKim, Mead and White. The renovation acknowledges both the client’s modern use of this landmark building and restores many of its original features.
The project's most visible and transformational feature is an iconic entrance that will lead from the 19th Avenue lot directly to the main foyer. From there many new or expanded elements are introduced: an entry lobby and revamped accessible entrance to the historic Cheek Gym, a presence for USNA, a redesigned school store, a fully restored pool facility, and connections to Lower and Middle School. The renovation addresses the client’s long felt need for a unified entrance for students, families, and guests who usually arrive by car, not on foot as they did in 1925.
Upstairs from the entry atrium will be new space for Admissions, in easy reach for visitors. We also will complete the historic restoration of the auditorium and re-allocate space made available in the Middle School by the new entrance. Rounding out the key features of a momentous initiative are four more classrooms and a redesigned top floor High School commons.
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